Volkl Power Fiber II is a premium multifilament tennis string designed to provide near-natural-gut comfort, power and feel at a lower price. It is the livelier member of Volkl’s Power Fiber range, while Power Fiber Pro shifts the balance toward control and durability.
The string uses many flexible synthetic filaments to create pocketing and shock reduction. Its response suits players who want easy depth without the rigid impact or maintenance cycle of polyester.
Power Fiber II works best for beginners through advanced non-breakers, doubles players and anyone moving away from a full polyester bed. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with natural gut and firmer multifilaments.
Volkl Power Fiber II Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 9/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
These ratings compare Power Fiber II with the complete market. Comfort and power are its strengths, while physical durability and sustained snapback remain below polyester.
Volkl Power Fiber II Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Multifilament |
| Material | Synthetic multifilament fibers |
| Profile | Round |
| Surface | Smooth protective exterior |
| Gauges | 16 / 1.32mm, 17 / 1.25mm and 18 / 1.18mm |
| Colors | Natural and Black, depending on gauge |
| Set length | Approximately 12m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m in selected gauges |
| Primary benefits | Power, comfort and feel |
The thinnest 1.18mm version and Black color are not always available in every package format or region.
Material and Construction
Power Fiber II is built from many fine synthetic filaments rather than one solid polyester strand. Those fibers flex together and allow the ball to sink into the stringbed.
Volkl positions the construction as a near-gut-like synthetic option with strong shock and vibration reduction. The comparison concerns elasticity and feel, not material identity.
Its round profile and smooth exterior do not create spin through sharp edges. Rotation comes from technique, pocketing and string movement while the surface remains fresh.
As the exterior wears, individual fibers can fray and the strings may notch. This visible wear is normal for a multifilament and should be monitored alongside changes in launch.
Volkl Power Fiber II Performance
Power
Power Fiber II provides easy depth across compact and moderate swing speeds. Its flexible fiber bundle returns more energy than control polyester and helps on serves, defensive shots and off-center contact.
The response is lively but not identical to natural gut. Faster hitters using powerful, open-patterned rackets may find the launch generous.
The 1.18mm and 1.25mm versions feel more responsive, while 1.32mm provides greater stability.
Power rating: 9/10
Spin
Spin is moderate to good for a multifilament. The string pockets the ball and can move while the surface remains smooth, supporting players with developed topspin mechanics.
It lacks the sharp bite and long-lasting snapback of shaped polyester. Fraying and notching eventually cause the mains to remain displaced.
The thin gauges improve ball access but wear faster. Heavy-spin breakers should consider a hybrid or a different material.
Spin rating: 7/10
Control
Power Fiber II offers respectable control for a powerful multifilament. Its consistent pocketing supports placement, volleys and changes of direction at moderate swing speeds.
Advanced hitters taking maximum-speed cuts may prefer the firmer Power Fiber Pro or a polyester-led hybrid. In a powerful racket, the lively launch can require adjustment.
Control also declines when tension falls or the strings lock out of position. The thicker gauge provides the calmest response.
Control rating: 7.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is exceptional. The flexible multifilament bundle cushions impact and remains forgiving away from the center of the stringbed.
The feel is plush and pocketing, making Power Fiber II effective for volleys, drop shots and doubles exchanges. Players coming from firm polyester will notice a substantial change in rebound and dwell sensation.
No string prevents or treats injury. Persistent symptoms require qualified assessment and consideration of technique, workload and the full racket setup.
Comfort rating: 9.5/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical durability is moderate. The 1.32mm version lasts longest, while heavy topspin can fray and break the thinner gauges quickly.
Fraying by itself is a normal feature of multifilament wear and does not require immediate replacement. Deep notching, unpredictable launch or a visibly weakened section are more useful signs that the stringbed is approaching the end of its practical life.
The string may remain playable through visible surface wear, but deep notching increases the risk of breakage. A shaped polyester hybrid partner accelerates abrasion.
Tension behavior is good for a soft multifilament, but useful life should be judged through launch, feel and string movement. Physical survival is not the only standard.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.32mm | Greatest control, stability and physical resistance |
| 17 / 1.25mm | More power, feel and spin with faster wear |
| 18 / 1.18mm | Maximum response for dense patterns and non-breakers |
The 16 / 1.32mm version is the safest starting point. The 17 gauge suits denser patterns, while 1.18mm is a specialist option for players who restring frequently.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes comfort, power and touch. It suits non-breakers, developing players and experienced competitors who no longer want polyester firmness.
The thicker gauge provides the most predictable full-bed response.
Volkl Power Fiber II in the Mains With Polyester Crosses
Power Fiber II mains preserve soft power and pocketing. A smooth polyester cross lowers launch and adds control.
The cross will notch the mains, and sharply shaped polyester can reduce physical life quickly.
Polyester Mains With Volkl Power Fiber II Crosses
Polyester mains dominate spin and control, while Power Fiber II crosses add comfort and depth. Volkl uses this concept in Psycho Hybrid.
The setup remains polyester-led and is firmer than a full multifilament bed.
General Tension Guidance
Power Fiber II can begin near a player’s established multifilament or nylon reference. Players replacing polyester should account for the higher rebound.
Lower tension increases power and pocketing. Higher tension creates a firmer launch but can reduce comfort and shorten physical life.
Use the racket manufacturer’s range and adjust gradually. The Tennis String Tension Calculator offers general guidance.
Who Should Use Volkl Power Fiber II?
Power Fiber II is best suited to:
- Players prioritizing comfort and power
- Beginners and intermediate club players
- Doubles and all-court players
- Former polyester users seeking softness
- Non-breakers wanting premium feel
- Hybrid users needing a lively component
Who Should Avoid Volkl Power Fiber II?
Power Fiber II is less suitable for:
- Frequent multifilament breakers
- Advanced hitters needing low-powered control
- Heavy topspin users relying on sustained snapback
- Players who dislike a plush response
- Buyers seeking the lowest-cost synthetic gut
- Anyone expecting equipment alone to solve pain
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort | Less break-resistant than polyester |
| Easy power and depth | Can launch high in powerful rackets |
| Plush touch and pocketing | Frays and notches with use |
| Three useful gauges | Limited edge-driven spin |
| Natural Gut-like character at lower cost | Thin gauges wear quickly |
| Effective full-bed and hybrid option | Less controlled than Power Fiber Pro |
Volkl Power Fiber II Compared With Other Strings
Power Fiber II vs Volkl Power Fiber Pro
Volkl Power Fiber Pro adds a low-friction coating, greater durability and a firmer response. Power Fiber II is livelier and plusher.
Power Fiber II vs Volkl V-Feel
Volkl V-Feel uses polyurethane multifilament construction with metallic helix coils. Both emphasize comfort, while V-Feel adds a distinctive spiral and spin concept.
Power Fiber II vs Wilson NXT
Wilson NXT is another premium multifilament with excellent comfort and power. Preferred feel, gauge and price will determine the better choice.
Power Fiber II vs HEAD Reflex MLT
HEAD Reflex MLT is a plush premium multi with an anti-friction surface. Power Fiber II provides its own soft, lively response and a thin 1.18mm option.
Final Verdict
Volkl Power Fiber II is a premium multifilament for players who want easy depth, plush feel and excellent comfort. It provides a useful natural-gut-like character without the same price or moisture sensitivity.
Its limitations are predictable: heavy spin causes fraying, the launch can be lively, and it cannot sustain polyester snapback. Those tradeoffs are acceptable for comfort-focused non-breakers.
The 16 / 1.32mm gauge is the best general choice. Move thinner only when a dense pattern and regular restringing justify the additional response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power Fiber II natural gut?
No. It is a synthetic multifilament designed to provide some gut-like performance qualities.
Is it comfortable?
Yes. Comfort and shock reduction are among its strongest qualities.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16 / 1.32mm version provides the best balance of control and physical durability.
Does it work in a hybrid?
Yes. It can serve as the soft main or cross, although contact with polyester accelerates wear.
How does it differ from Power Fiber Pro?
Power Fiber II is softer and more powerful. Power Fiber Pro emphasizes control, coating and durability.
Is visible fraying an immediate reason to restring?
Not always. Light fraying is normal multifilament wear. Deep notching, unstable launch or fibers worn close to failure are stronger replacement signals.